Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole brings comfort food to new heights with its tantalizing blend of Italian flavors. This scrumptious dish combines cheesy pasta shells with savory Italian sausage and a rich tomato sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a delightful symphony of textures and tastes; think creamy cottage cheese melded with gooey mozzarella—every forkful promises a mouthful of satisfaction.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic week when nothing sounded more soothing than a warm, cheesy casserole. It quickly became a “go-to” for family gatherings and quiet Sunday dinners alike. Whether you’re handling a busy weeknight or hosting friends, this baked penne will leave everyone raving about the flavors. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to prepare, fitting beautifully into any home cook’s repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep and cook in under an hour, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and melted cheeses will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: It’s a hearty and inviting dish that’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main course, potluck item, or Sunday family dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap in gluten-free pasta for a more inclusive meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz medium pasta shells: This is the foundation of the dish. Shells are perfect for holding the sauce and cheese.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: A flavorful fat that helps sauté the shallots and garlic.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant aroma and depth to the sauce.
- ½ cup shallots, minced: If you don’t have shallots, finely chopped onions work well too, providing sweetness.
- 12 oz Italian sausage, removed from casing: This gives a hearty flavor; consider using turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient of the sauce; choose high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: This deepens the tomato flavor and adds richness.
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar: Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes; can substitute with honey.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors; adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice; feel free to increase for a bolder bite.
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat goes a long way—add more if you like it spicy.
- ¾ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese, small curds: Offers creaminess without being overly heavy.
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes: Melts perfectly and provides wonderful texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This is for topping, creating that irresistible cheesy crust.
- Chopped Italian parsley, for garnish: Fresh herbs will brighten up the dish and add a nice color contrast.
How to Make Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
Cook pasta: Begin by cooking the 8 oz medium pasta shells according to the package directions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain them and set aside to cool, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Make sauce: In a medium pot over medium heat, warm 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ cup minced shallots, stirring often for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, introduce the 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Drain any excess fat, making sure to keep that delicious flavor in the pot.
Simmer: To the browned sausage, add a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes; taste it along the way to adjust the seasoning as needed. Allow the sauce to cool for 15 minutes before proceeding.
Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cooled sauce, ¾ cup cottage cheese, and the 6 oz of mozzarella cheese cut into ½-inch cubes. Toss everything well to coat. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Don’t forget to top it with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella for that irresistible cheesy crust!
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an even more appealing finish, broil for 30-45 seconds until the top is beautifully golden. Let it stand for about 5-8 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a bit of color and brightness.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked penne for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly. When rewarming, the best method is to heat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. The textures may change slightly, but adding a dash of olive oil before reheating can refresh the dish beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it will continue to cook while baking in the oven.
- Let your sausage cool before combining with the other ingredients to prevent curdling the cottage cheese.
- If using gluten-free pasta, check the cooking instructions as they may vary from traditional pasta.
- Consider adding some sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, for more nutrition and flavor.
- Prepare the sauce and assemble it a day ahead, then simply bake it when you’re ready to dig in.
Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole offers warmth and comfort with every bite. This recipe is an incredible way to bring family and friends together, serving up a hearty dish that can easily be personalized to your tastes. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different ingredients or adding your flair. Enjoy crafting this delightful meal, and may it become a staple in your home as it has in mine!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How do I store leftovers properly?
Leftover baked penne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or you can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While medium pasta shells work great, you can easily substitute other pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Baked penne pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables. You can add a light vinaigrette to your salad to create a balance to the cozy, cheesy casserole.
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Penne | Cheesy Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Penne is a delightful mix of pasta, Italian sausage, and gooey cheese, perfect for a satisfying dinner or casual gathering. Its rich flavors and simple preparation make it an instant favorite for pasta lovers!
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup shallots, minced
- 12 oz italian sausage, removed from casing
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- ¾ cup low fat (2%) cottage cheese
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped italian parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and allow to cool.
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and shallots, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the Italian sausage and brown it, breaking it into small pieces. Drain the excess fat from the pot.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste and let cool for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cubes. Mix well and transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Broil for an additional 30-45 seconds to brown the top. Allow to stand for 5-8 minutes before serving, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Feel free to substitute any preferred pasta for pasta shells.
Adjust seasonings to your taste, especially the spices.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
